Ipsilateral simultaneous fracture of the trochlea involving the lateral end clavicle and distal end radius: a rare combination and a unique mechanism of injury

Isolated trochlea fracture in adults is a rare surgical entity as compared to its capitellar counterpart.It has been only mentioned sporadically in the literature as case reports.Fracture of the trochlea is accompanied by other elbow injuries like elbow dislocation,capitellum fracture,ulnar fracture and extraarticular condylar fracture.Here we report a unique case of isolated displaced trochlea fracture associated with fractures of the lateral end clavicle and the distal end radius.We propose a unique mechanism for this rare combination of injuries：typical triad of injury,i.e.fracture of the distal end radius with trochlea and fracture of the lateral end of the clavicle.Nonoperative treatment is recommended for undisplaced humeral trochlea fractures;but for displaced ones,anatomical reduction and internal fixation are essential to maintain the congruous trochleacoronoid articulation and hence to maintain the intrinsic stability of the elbow.     

Surgical treatment of acute convergent dislocation of elbow北大核心CSCD

Objective To evaluate the surgical treatment of acute convergent dislocation of elbow after failed closed reduction. Methods A retrospective study was conducted of the 8 patients with acute convergent dislocation of elbow who had been admitted from January 2017 to December 2020 for surgical treatment after failed closed reduction and completely followed up at Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital. There were 3 males and 5 females, with an average age of 30.9 years (from 15 to 51 years). Five left and 3 right elbows were injured. Combined injuries included radial head fracture in 6 cases, distal radius fracture in 2 cases, coronoid fracture in one, medial epicondyle fracture of the humerus in one, scaphoid fracture in one, and distal radioulnar dislocation in one. All patients underwent surgery after failure of closed reduction. Intraoperative exploration found in every case a longitudinal tear on the brachialis tendon. The radial head protruded from the front into the tear and twisted the tendon so that the reduction of the radial head was frustrated. At the last follow-up, the elbow flexion and extension and forearm rotation were recorded, and the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) was used for function assessment. Results All the 8 patients were followed up for a mean of 6.1 months (from 2 to 12 months). At the last follow-up, the elbow flexion and extension averaged 101.9° (from 65° to 150°), the forearm rotation 132.5° (from 75° to 170°), and the MEPS 96.3 (from 90 to 100). None of the patients had significant pain or joint instability. Various degrees of joint mobility limitation existed in 7 patients, one of whom underwent elbow arthrolysis and another of whom underwent ulnar neurolysis and anterior transposition due to ulnar nerve injury. Conclusions For treatment of acute convergent dislocation of elbow, if closed reduction fails, surgical treatment should be performed on time, because the surgical efficacy is more reliable. As the severity and combined injuries of the convergent dislocation vary from person to person, the therapy algorithm should be individualized. © 2023 Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. All rights reserved.     

Neglected isolated fracture of the trochlea humeri

A 15 years old girl was found to have isolated trochlea fracture 10 weeks after an injury caused by a fall on her left elbow. Movement of the elbow was severely restricted. Radiographs showed a half moon-shaped and anterosuperiorly displaced osteochondral fragment. Medial approach capsulotomy of the elbow and excision of the intraarticular adhesions were done to expose the isolated trochlea fracture. Headless screws were used for fixation, combined with bone grafting. The follow-up showed union and excellent functional recovery of the elbow. Isolated trochlea fracture in adults is rare and usually associated with capitellar fractures and/or elbow dislocations. A neglected trochlea fracture is rarely reported in the English language literature to the best of our knowledge. Recognition of isolated trochlea fracture is vital to apprehend the pathomechanics of the injury and to devise a suitable treatment approach.     

Outcome of surgical treatment of type IV capitellum fractures in adults

Objective:Fractures of the capitellum and trochlea constitute less than 1％ of all elbow fractures and a shear fracture involving the capitellum and extending medially into most of the trochlea is rarel...     

Locational distribution characteristics and risk factors of heterotopic ossification following traumatic elbow stiffness北大核心CSCD

Objective To study the locational distribution characteristics of the heterotopic ossification (HO) following traumatic elbow stiffness and the risk factors for HO development at different locations. Methods Consecutively included according to our inclusion criteria in the present study were the patients who had been admitted to Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 2018 to December 2018 for elbow release due to traumatic elbow stiffness but developed postoperative HO. Their baseline data and CT data were collected and processed using Mimics 20. 0. The HO distribution for each patient was characterized at the anteromedial, anterolateral, posteromedial, posterolateral, posterior, medial, lateral, and proximal radioulnar locations. The patient's original injury was categorized into 5 types： distal humerus fracture, olecranon fracture, radial head fracture, coronoid fracture, and elbow dislocation -After the univariate analysis with the HO occurrence at a specific location as the dependent variable and the original injury and baseline data as the independent variables, the factors with P value less than 0. 1 were included in the logistic regression analysis to determine the risk factors for HO at each location. Results A total of 91 patients were included in this study. Of them, 88 had posteromedial HO (96. 7%, 88/91), 62 posterior HO (68.1%, 62/91), 60 posterolateral HO (65. 9%, 60/91), 41 an-teromedial HO (45. 1%, 41/91), 26 anterolateral HO (28.6% ， 26/91), 13 proximal radioulnar HO (14.3%, 13/91), 8 lateral HO (8.8%， 8/91), and 7 medial HO (7.7%， 7/91) . Logistic regression analysis showed that presence of ulnar nerve symptoms (OR - 4. 354, P = 0. 017) and presence of original elbow dislocation (OR = 2. 927, P = 0. 042) were the independent risk factors for the anteromedial HO development and that presence of original olecranon fracture (OR = 0. 277, P = 0. 023) was the protective factor for the anteromedial HO development. Presence of original radial head fracture was the independent risk factor for the anterolateral HO development (OR =2. 891， P = 0. 033) and the posterolateral HO development (OR = 3. 123, P = 0. 043). Conclusions HO development in patients with posttraumatic elbow stiffness is closely related to their original injury. Posteromedial HO may develop in almost all the patients. Patients with ulnar nerve symptoms and original elbow dislocation are more prone to anteromedial HO development, but patients with o-riginal olecranon fracture are less likely to develop anteromedial HO. Patients with original radial head fracture are more likely to develop anterolateral and posterolateral HO. © The Author(s) 2022.     

平行双接骨板内固定治疗老年肱骨远端粉碎性骨折

Objective To summarize our experience of treating distal humeral fractures of AO/OTA type C with parallel-plate fixation in the aged. Methods From January 2007 to September 2008, we treated 22 cases of type C distal humeral fractures by parallel-plating. They were 6 males and 16 females, with a mean age of 70. 2 (range, 60 to 81 ) years, including 3 open fractures (Gustilo type Ⅰ) and 19 close fractures. According to AO classification, there were 5 cases of type C1, 10 cases of type C2 and 7 cases of type C3. The posterior midline approach was selected. After the articular surface of the distal humerus was exposed through the olecranon osteotomy or the liguliform flap of triceps brachii muscle, parallel-plate fixation was performed to fix fractures internally. All patients began functional exercise of the elbow joint from 3 days after operation. Results All patients were followed up for a mean of 18 (range, 13 to 35) months. All fractures achieved complete union. The mean degrees of the elbow movement were as follows: extension was 16°(range, 0 to 50°), flexion 125° (range, 95° to 140°), supination 65° (range, 40° to 90°) and pronation 67°(range, 40° to 90°). According to Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), 11 cases were graded as excellent, 8 as good, 2 as fair and one as poor. 86. 4% of the patients had an excellent or good functional result. Two cases reported transient ulnar nerve paralysis, 2 heterotopic ossification, one delayed union and elbow stiffness,3 slight symptoms of traumatic arthritis, and 2 slight malformation of cubitus varus. Conclusions Parallel-plate fixation is a preferred treatment for AO type C distal humeral fractures in the aged because of satisfactory bone healing, early mobilization and recovery of joint function. However, more attention should be paid to the complexity of the fracture which may influence the therapeutic effects of the operation.     

平行双接骨板内固定治疗老年肱骨远端粉碎性骨折

Objective To summarize our experience of treating distal humeral fractures of AO/OTA type C with parallel-plate fixation in the aged. Methods From January 2007 to September 2008, we treated 22 cases of type C distal humeral fractures by parallel-plating. They were 6 males and 16 females, with a mean age of 70. 2 (range, 60 to 81 ) years, including 3 open fractures (Gustilo type Ⅰ) and 19 close fractures. According to AO classification, there were 5 cases of type C1, 10 cases of type C2 and 7 cases of type C3. The posterior midline approach was selected. After the articular surface of the distal humerus was exposed through the olecranon osteotomy or the liguliform flap of triceps brachii muscle, parallel-plate fixation was performed to fix fractures internally. All patients began functional exercise of the elbow joint from 3 days after operation. Results All patients were followed up for a mean of 18 (range, 13 to 35) months. All fractures achieved complete union. The mean degrees of the elbow movement were as follows: extension was 16°(range, 0 to 50°), flexion 125° (range, 95° to 140°), supination 65° (range, 40° to 90°) and pronation 67°(range, 40° to 90°). According to Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), 11 cases were graded as excellent, 8 as good, 2 as fair and one as poor. 86. 4% of the patients had an excellent or good functional result. Two cases reported transient ulnar nerve paralysis, 2 heterotopic ossification, one delayed union and elbow stiffness,3 slight symptoms of traumatic arthritis, and 2 slight malformation of cubitus varus. Conclusions Parallel-plate fixation is a preferred treatment for AO type C distal humeral fractures in the aged because of satisfactory bone healing, early mobilization and recovery of joint function. However, more attention should be paid to the complexity of the fracture which may influence the therapeutic effects of the operation.     

Missed posterior shoulder dislocation with malunited proximal humerus fracture

Posterior dislocation of the shoulder may be missed or neglected at initial presentation especially in developing countries.We present a case of 40-year-old Indian man who had 3-month missed posterior dislocation of the right shoulder along with malunited fracture of the anatomical neck of the humerus.Open reduction and stabilization with modified McLaughlin procedure was performed.Rotational osteotomy of proximal humerus had to be performed as supplementary procedure to keep the humeral head stable in glenoid cavity during functional range of movements.The patient had excellent result of the shoulder at 3 years follow-up.     

Ultrasonography for non-displaced and mini-displaced humeral lateral condyle fractures in children

Objective： To evaluate the value of ultrasonography in non-isplaced and mini-displaced humeral lateral condyle fractures in children.
Methods： Nine children aged 2-9 years with non-displaced or mini-displaced humeral lateral condyle fractures were examined by high-resolution ultrasonography. The fracture line through the joint surface was visualized by ultrasonography in 6 case, in which closed reduction and percutaneous pinning was performed on 3 patients and other 3 patients did not receive the treatment because of patients＇ or their parents＇refusal. In the remaining 3 children, ultra- sonography did not reveal the cartilaginous trochle involvement at the joint surface and conservative treatment was adopted.
Results： The average follow-up period was 8 months. The sonographic findings were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging in one child who received conservative treat-ment and another child who received percutaneous pinning. The elbow function and fracture healing were good in cases received closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Among the three cases who refused to receive closed reduction and internal fixation, re-displacement occurred in 1 case and delayed union in 1 case. All three cases receiving conservative treatment had good results both in elbow function and fracture healing.
Conclusion： High-resolution ultrasonography enable to reveal non-displaced and mini-displaced humeral lateral condyle fractures as well as to ascertain whether the cartilaginous trochlea humeri was involved. For these cases, arthrography or magnetic resonance imaging is unnecessary.     

Ipsilateral dislocation of the radial head associated with fracture of distal end of the radius: a case report and review of the literature

Dislocation of the radial head in adults is uncommon. A simultaneous dislocation of the radial head and fracture of the ipsilateral distal end of radius with no other associated injuries is extremelyrare. As far as we know, such an injury after an unusual mode of injury has been seldom reported in the English literature. We report such a case without any associated injuries or comorbidity. Closed reduction was performed within two hours after injury and results were satisfactory. Immobilisation was continued for 3 weeks. Gradual mobilisation was started after removal of the plaster under the supervision of a physiotherapist. At 6 months’ follow-up, the patient had no residual pain at the elbow with full flexion & extension. Almost full supination with a restriction of last 10 degrees of pronation was achieved. There was no evidence of instability of the elbow.     

Articular fractures of the distal part of the humerus

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify the patterns of distal humeral articular fractures and to analyze the results of open reduction and internal fixation of these injuries. METHODS: The cases of twenty-one patients with an articular fracture of the distal part of the humerus were reviewed at an average of forty months after the injury. Five components of the injury were identified: (1) the capitellum and the lateral aspect of the trochlea, (2) the lateral epicondyle, (3) the posterior aspect of the lateral column, (4) the posterior aspect of the trochlea, and (5) the medial epicondyle. All fractures were reduced and were stabilized with implants buried beneath the articular surface. RESULTS: All fractures healed, and no patient had residual ulnohumeral instability or weakness. Ten patients required a second operation: six, for release of an elbow contracture; two, for treatment of ulnar neuropathy; one, for removal of hardware causing symptoms; and one, because of early loss of fixation. The average arc of ulnohumeral motion was 96 degrees (range, 55 degrees to 140 degrees ). The results according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index were excellent in four patients, good in twelve, and fair in five. CONCLUSIONS: Apparent fractures of the capitellum are often more complex fractures of the articular surface of the distal part of the humerus. Treatment of these injuries with operative reduction and fixation with buried implants can result in satisfactory restoration of elbow function.     

Elbow dislocation with intra-articular fracture: the results of operative treatment without repair of the medial collateral ligament

PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of a protocol for the treatment of fracture-dislocations of the elbow based on the concept that, if dislocation of the elbow with associated fractures can be made to resemble a simple elbow dislocation by repairing or reconstructing the fractured structures, repair of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) will not be necessary. METHODS: Over a 5-year period, a single surgeon operated on 34 patients with a posterior dislocation of the elbow associated with one or more intra-articular fractures. The mean age of these 19 men and 15 women was 48 years. Associated fractures included the capitellum, trochlea, and lateral epicondyle in 3 patients; the olecranon in 1 patient; and the radial head in 30 patients (with concomitant fracture of the coronoid process-the so-called "terrible triad" of the elbow-in 22 patients, and concomitant fracture of the coronoid and olecranon in 1 patient). Operative treatment consisted of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) or prosthetic replacement of all fractures and reattachment of the origin of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) complex to the lateral epicondyle. The MCL was not repaired. RESULTS: Two patients (1 with a terrible triad injury and 1 with fracture of the capitellum and trochlea) had postoperative instability related to noncompliance, had reconstructive procedures, and were considered failures. An average of 32 months after injury, the remaining 32 patients regained an average of 120 degrees ulnohumeral motion and 142 degrees forearm rotation. Twenty-five of 34 patients (74%) had good or excellent results according to the system of Broberg and Morrey. Patients with terrible triad injuries had an average of 117 degrees ulnohumeral motion and 137 degrees forearm rotation, and 17 of 22 patients (77%) had good or excellent results. CONCLUSIONS: MCL repair is unnecessary in the treatment of dislocation of the elbow with associated intra-articular fractures, provided that the articular fractures and the LCL are repaired or reconstructed.     

Transverse divergent dislocation of the elbow

A girl 6 years 5 months old sustained a rare transverse (mediolateral) divergent dislocation of the elbow and was treated by closed reduction. The arm was immobilized in a cast. Followup was 7 years 5 months. Five years after injury, the patient had recurrent popping on the lateral aspect of the injured elbow during active flexion from complete extension and tenderness on the anterior aspect of the radiohumeral joint. To determine the exact anatomic relation of the proximal radius and ulna to each other and to the distal humerus after transverse dislocation, a skeleton of the elbow was assembled in the dislocated position, and multiple radiographs and photographs were taken and compared with the radiographs of the patient's injured elbow. This showed that the ulna was displaced posteromedially, with the coronoid process impinged against the distal and medial portions of the trochlea, and that the radial head was displaced lateral to the capitellum, anterior and distal to the lateral epicondyle. The distal end of the humerus was caught by the radius and the ulna and was rotated anteriorly and laterally, primarily by the displaced coronoid process. Because of this rotation of the humerus, the lateral radiograph of the elbow gave the impression that the head of the radius was displaced posteriorly.     

Some vagaries of the capitellum.

The capitellum is the first epiphyseal center of the elbow to ossify. Its normal position is easily subject to misinterpretation as a separation fracture because: (1) the ossification center for the capitellum is situated anteriorly, (2) it is often tilted downward during development, and (3) its epiphysis tends to be wider posteriorly than anteriorly. The capitellum frequently fuses with the trochlea and lateral epicondyle before uniting with the humerus. We reviewed the normal anatomical configuration of the elbow. Some useful methods for evaluating the position of the normally situated and minimally displaced capitellum and distal end of the humerus are presented.     

Kaplan入路结合微型锁定钢板治疗肱骨远端冠状面骨折

目的探讨Kaplan入路结合微型锁定钢板治疗肱骨远端冠状面骨折的临床疗效。 方法对我科2012年3月至2016年12月收治的肱骨远端冠状面骨折患者进行回顾分析,共11例患者采用Kaplan入路,结合微型锁定钢板固定治疗方法。按Dubberley分型：IA型2例、IB型1例、ⅡA型3例、ⅡB型3例、ⅢA型1例、ⅢB型1例。术后复查肘关节摄片,了解关节面复位及内固定情况,门诊随访患者肘关节功能及骨折愈合情况。 结果所有11例患者均获得随访,无血管神经损伤,其中1例发生内侧异位骨化,经早期干预后未进展。 结论肱骨远端冠状面骨折采取外侧Kaplan入路,可充分显露关节面骨折块及骨折线,对于骨折复位及固定显露较好,可获得微型钢板稳定固定,术后患者可进行早期功能锻炼,肘关节功能恢复较好。     

Prosthetic replacement for distal humerus fractures

Primary total elbow arthroplasty is a treatment option for elderly patients with osteopenic bone, increased comminution, and articular fragmentation. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in distal humerus hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of distal humerus fractures, including coronal shear fractures of the capitellum and trochlea. This article focuses on the evaluation and management of distal humerus fractures with prosthetic replacement.     

Coronoid fractures and elbow instability, general review and clinical presentation

Elbow joint has three articulations: (1) ulnatrochlear, (2) radiocapitellar, and (3) radioulnar. The olecranon and coronoid fossa of distal humerus separate medial and lateral columns of the distal humerus. Medial column ends with spool-shaped trochlea, and lateral column ends with spherical capitellum. The irregularity of elbow joint in anatomic means is not an impediment for the joint to be congruent. Congruity of the ulna humeral articulation is the mainstay of the osseous stability and mobility in flexion and extension plane. Fracture dislocation of the elbow is a well-defined injury, but it is difficult to achieve satisfactory good results due to some pitfalls. Coronoid process, radial head and neck or both can be fractured. Treatment decision of uncomplicated elbow fractures depends on the stability after reduction. Understanding the anatomy and the biomechanics of elbow is crucial to diagnose and treat elbow instability. Treatment of fracture dislocation of the elbow is a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. Here, we emphasized the anatomic and biomechanical knowledge about importance of the recognition, identification, and treatment of coronoid process in restoring the sufficient stability of the elbow to allow early mobilization with an excellent functional outcome.     

Coronal Shear Fractures of the Distal Humerus: A Review of Diagnosis,Treatment, and Outcomes

Fractures of the capitellum and trochlea are uncommon fractures of the elbow and can be challenging to treat due to their size, location, and articular nature. Because of their intra-articular nature and predilection toward displacement, these fractures are typically treated operatively. Furthermore, capitellum fractures have high rates of associated injuries, including radial head fractures or lateral collateral ligament injury in ~30% to 60% of patients. In addition to open reduction internal fixation, operative options include fragment excision, arthroscopic assisted reduction and fixation, and elbow arthroplasty. In this article, we undertake a comprehensive literature review of capitellum fractures of the distal humerus, in an attempt to summarize the existing body of evidence and propose areas of future study.